Read Online Confessions of a Scoundrel by Karen Hawkins - Free Book Online

been traveling too far, too fast and he wondered what had possessed him to kiss the woman.
    All he knew for certain was that five thousand pounds was a bargain.
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    Twenty minutes later, Verena held a crisply drawn bank draft in her fingers. She eyed the scrawled signature thoughtfully. Brandon St. John. Before today, she’d known precious little of him except that he was reputed to be cutting a swath through the female population of the ton —the married female population. He was said to be a master of seduction.
    Verena now knew how he’d gotten such a reputation—he was a master at making you feel unique, special. Sexuality dripped from his lips, shone in his eyes, emanated from his heated skin. One moment, they were talking and the next…She closed her eyes, reliving the feeling of hismouth on hers. It hadn’t been a real kiss. It had been a branding.
    She took a deep breath and released it, rubbing at the palm of her hand. She glanced down to where the famed talisman ring had made an imprint in her skin. The mark was gone now, but the place was still warm, tingly even. Verena curled her fingers over the spot.
    James walked into the room, his brown eyes bright with curiosity. “Herberts said you had a visitor this morning.”
    She nodded. “Brandon St. John.”
    â€œWhat did he want?”
    â€œTo purchase my cooperation.”
    He raised his brows. “For what?”
    â€œHis brother, Mr. Chase St. John, has developed an inappropriate interest in me. Mr. St. John did not know it, but I already sent his brother on his way two days ago.”
    â€œWell!” James crossed to the window and lifted a corner of the curtain aside. “Herberts said the man possessed some fine horses and a very nice coat.”
    â€œHe’s wealthy beyond comprehension. Which is why he attempted to purchase my cooperation.”
    James’s eyes brightened. “How much did he offer you?”
    She held up the check. “Five thousand pounds.”
    James dropped the curtain, his gaze wide. “Five—good God! It’s a fortune and I—” He caught sight of her face and groaned. “You aren’t going to accept it. Don’t say another word! I couldn’t stand it. Why, oh why couldn’t his brother have become enamored of me , instead of you? I would have gladly taken the money and—”
    â€œI wouldn’t touch that money with a pole. Don’t you see, James? If I accept the draft, I am admitting that I can be bought. And I’m worth far more than five thousand pounds.”
    He moaned and dropped his face into his hands.
    She had to smile. “You think I’m mad.”
    He removed his hands, his smile twisted. “No. Just far too pure to be a Lansdowne.”
    â€œThat’s not true. I want to keep the money. Really, I do. It’s just that—” She waved her hands hopelessly, the draft fluttering. “I can’t.”
    â€œPride,” he said, shaking his head sadly. “That’s a sin, you know. One of the big seven.”
    â€œIf you want to know about pride, ask the St. Johns. My teensy amount is negligible in comparison.”
    â€œI find that hard to believe,” he said. She slashed a glance his way and he grinned. “Don’t eat me! I’m just teasing and you know it. If you hadn’t promised to win funds for me at the gaming table, I would be furious now.” He came to her and linked an arm about her neck. He kissed her forehead before dropping into a chair and grinning up at her. “So stop cutting me with those vicious looks of yours and tell me about the great Brandon St. John. Is he as impressive as they say?”
    Impressive? Brandon St. John was far too handsome for Verena’s peace of mind. She cleared her throat. “He’s quite tall, has thick black hair and very blue eyes.” He could also kiss in a way that left her beyond